The newest version of North Korea’s state-controlled operating system was made available to the public for the first time ever this week. The last version (Red Star 2.0) was designed to look just like Windows, but for the sequel, Kim Jong Un’s minions have taken some inspiration from Apple and completely redesigned their Linux-based operating system to look just like OS X.
Red Star 3.0 was leaked via torrents a few days ago. We wouldn’t recommend installing it, but the folks at The Next Web took the plunge and discovered the painstaking details Pyongyang went through to replicate OS X.
Everything from the dock, menu bars, settings, and even the spinning beachball of doom, have been ported over to the operating system. A few remnants of the Windows copying days still linger, like the ability to run Windows 3.1 apps, but the rest of Red Star 3.0 is full OS X clone through and through.
Take a look at the similarities:
Rather than using Chrome or IE, the Korea Computer Center has created a modified version of Firefox called Naenara. It’s unclear how many people in North Korea use the Red Star operating system. Will Scott, an American expert who’s taught Computer Science in North Korea, says most end users in the country use Windows XP and a little Windows 7, but the Red Star OS X clone is likely used more for automation and contracting project.
For those wanting to take Red Star for a spin, the North Korea Tech blog has published an guide on how to install it inside a virtual machine.
Source: TNW
Buster Hein is a freelance writer who lives in Phoenix, Arizona. Twitter: @bst3r.
9 responses to “North Korea’s OS X clone is now available to the public”
looks like a crappy Linux mod loaded with spyware and bugs
I agree with Andy Brooks!
Does it come with free Sony movies?
It’s fairly certain that Apple would not be suing! Sue for what anyway!!!
Kim Jong Un is reportedly in talks with J.J. Abrams about adding lens flare to Red Star. That’ll top it off nicely.
They got the shading on the buttons wrong.
They look like they are perpetually depressed.
If you were in North Korea, you’d be perpetually depressed, too.
Glorious leader will always be watching you….
Theres always been mac “themes” for various linux desk-tops , but I’ve never seen one quite as comprehensive as this one. Its almost impressive, in a creepy sort of way. The buttons are not quite right, but other than that is somewhat uncanny.